I am always on the look out for fun and creative Christmas presents for friends and family. Here are a five interiors inspired ideas I hope you will love. All available from Bath’s independent shops.

Relaxed Maximalism: Curating a Maximalist Home with Soul

This beautiful book by Sarah Laming is out in time for Christmas.

How do you infuse your space with personality without sacrificing harmony? How do you mix colours, patterns, textures, and vintage finds to create maximalist décor? Maximalism is often thought of as an interior style with no rules but it’s a difficult look to achieve; you need knowledge and experience to create a harmonious look. Through beautiful photographs, sketches, top tips, and real room breakdowns, Relaxed Maximalism helps you embrace maximalist decor without descending into cluttered chaos.

Buy your copy from Toppings in York Street. The stunning shop features handcrafted bookcases with the store’s signature rolling library ladders, lining two floors and a gallery and is a delight at Christmas.

Wooden Egg Rack

An egg rack might seem an odd Christmas present, but this is the most beautiful object and will give years of pleasure. It is inspired by an 18th century egg rack, Patrick, the owner of Berdoulat, inherited. It has an oak top which holds a dozen eggs and is supported by tiny turned walnut columns capped with mother of pearl inlays.  

Berdoulat in Margaret’s Buildings is worth a visit just to look at the beautiful mahogany counters and cabinets and 1840 wine display unit in this beautiful Georgian building.

Rustic Pillar Candles

The Loft is a beautiful concept store on Bartlett Street. Older Bathonians will remember shop was once Evans and Owen, which was a popular drapers and department store.

The Loft is great for all sorts of Christmas presents, but it’s always the rustic candles in a range of gorgeous, muted colours that I buy year after year for friends and family. From dusty pinks to deep olives, you’ll find a colour to match any home. 

Orange Fringed Velvet Cushion

A twist on a classic, Always Sunday sells gorgeous velvet cushions with a playful fringe to add detail and texture. The velvet appears to change colour depending on the light and direction of the pile and the orange colourway will really add a touch of glamour to a sofa or bed.

Always Sunday is a lifestyle and homewares store on historic Broad Street. As well as their collection of velvet cushions, you’ll find an eclectic mix of vintage objects and a stylish curation of decorative pieces for the home.

Floral Block Printed Throw

Traditional block printing techniques have been used to create the delicate floral designs on the Sherpa Throws shown on the header image. Made in Jaipur, India, from lightweight cotton with a velvet frill lining, they are ideal for layering over your bedding. They come in three designs with peach, blue, yellow or red velvet frills.

You can find Graham and Green in a lovely old bake house on Walcot Street. Look at the wonderful tiles that still adorn the walls of this fabulous emporium for interiors lovers.

More ideas next week…